AbstractThe application of paddy straw to soil improved the yield of soybeans significantly in a light‐textured red sandy loam soil with a pH of 5.6. Whereas the nodulation was unaffected in the crop grown under rainfed conditions it was improved in the irrigated summer crop of soybeans. Grain yield was significantly increased in treatment receiving straw at 3 t/ha. Addition of dung slurry as a source of inoculum for straw decomposition or a second inoculation of plants withRhizobiumfailed to affect nodulation and yield of soybean